3507 
DI798K 


RT  TREASURES 


FANNIE  A.  DAMON 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


'    -f  -• 

I/W  UlM-^mM 


>  Jfe 


HEART  TREASURES 


BY 

FANNIE  A.  DAMON 


AUTHORS  EDITION 


BUFFALO 

CHARLES  WELLS  MOULTON 

1894 


COPYRIGHT,  1894, 
BV  FANNIE  A.  DAMON. 


PRl.NTKD   BV 

CHARLES  WELLS  MOULTON, 
BUFFALO,  N.  Y. 


PS 
3507 


To  the  kind  Sisters  and  Friends 

in  this  life, 
and  in  tender  memory  of  the  Loved  Ones 

gone  before 
I  dedicate  this  book. 


r~  A  C\  O  A 


CONTENTS. 

PACK 

HEART  TREASURES 9 

A  RETROSPECT 10 

LIFE'S   LESSONS 12 

IN  MEMOKIAM 13 

THE  AWAKENING 15 

TO-DAY 16 

CHRISTMAS  MEMORIES 18 

PRAYER  FOR  THE  DEAD 20 

LINES  ACCOMPANYING  A  PICTURE 22 

"A'r  EVENTIDE  IT  WILL  BE  LIGHT" 22 

GROWING  OLD 24 

A  SNOW  PICTURE 26 

A  NEW  YEAR'S    REVERIE 27 

OUR  MODEL 29 

Too  SOON 30 

ANNIVERSARY  POEM 31 

THE  ICE  KING 33 

A  DREAM 35 

A  BIRTHDAY   OFFERING 37 

TEACH  us  TO   PRAY 39 

ASLEEP 40 

THE  FIRST  MAY  FLOWER 42 

To  MY  MOTHER 43 

FARTHER  ON 44 


vi  CONTENTS. 

EASTER  MORNING 46 

RELEASED 47 

A  SONG  FOR  THE  FLAG 48 

AT  THE  LOOM 50 

A  DREAM  OF  HOME 51 

HE  KNOWS 53 

THE  MEETING  AND  PARTING  OF  THE  CENTURIES.  54 

FLOWERS -  ....  56 

REGRET 57 

THE  UNGUESSED  MYSTERY 59 

A  MEMORY &> 

A  PRAYER  FOR  LIGHT 62 

ALL  IN  ALL  .                        63 


HEART  TREASURES 


HEART  TREASURES. 

HEN  we  lay  aside  the  garments 

That  our  loved  ones  used  to  wear; 
And  our  tears  fall  thick  and  blindly 
On  each  trinket,  tress  of  hair — 


w 


On  each  token  of  remembrance 

Their  dear  hands  have  laid  away — 

Treasures  they  have  prized  as  fondly 
As  the  ones  we  hold  to-day; 

When  we  feel  that  all  is  over, 
As  the  shadows  round  us  fall, 

Then  we  question  in  our  anguish, 
Vainly  asking,  "  Are  these  all  ?  " 

"  All  that's  left  us  of  our  loved  ones, 
These,  and  but  a  bitter  pain, 

And  a  sorrowing  heart  that  ever 
Yearns  to  call  them  back  again." 

But  have  we  not  dearer  tokens 

Than  the  ones  o'er  which  we  weep  ? 

They  will  perish,  but  the  others, 
We  can  ever  with  us  keep. 


io  Heart    Treasures. 

They  are  ours  through  time  and  changes; 

Death  can  not  these  treasures  claim; 
For  the  good,  the  true,  the  lovely 

Ever  will  with  us  remain. 

For  the  heart  hath  secret  chambers 
Filled  with  stores  of  wealth  untold; 

Costly  relics,  that  can  never 

Like  earth's  gems  be  bought  and  sold. 

Precious  memories  of  our  loved  ones; 

Visions  of  a  happy  past, 
That  will  never  fade  or  vanish, 

But  grow  brighter  to  the  last. 


A  RETROSPECT. 

GONE  the  swift  years,  with  ceaseless,   noiseless 
flight! 

We  can  but  gaze   through    Memory's  glass  to 
night! 

But  as  our  eyes  in  sadness  on  them  fall, 
Are  we  not  prone  to  question,  '•  Is  this  all  ?  " 

All  that  there  is  of  life — a  few  brief  years — 
Made  up  of  joy  and  sadness,  smiles  and  tears  ? 


Heart    Treasures.  1 1 

Like  April  days,  of  sunshine  and  of  rain, 
A  moment  bright,  then  clouded  o'er  again. 

Yet  more,  the  past  hath  more;  can  \ve  not  see 
Days  bright  with  blessings  rich,  for  you  and  me? 
Without  a  cloud  to  dim,  or  hide  God's  light; 
Perfect,  unchangeable,  from  morn  till  night  ? 

And  for  these  days,  our  Father,  would  we  praise, 
And  thank  thee,  who  hath  ordered  all  our  ways; 
But  not  alone  by  blessings  are  we  blest, 
For  those  withheld,  ofttimes  have  proved  the  best. 

For  we  have  thus  been  led  to  trust  thy  ways, 
Nor  find  our  all,  in  joy's  unclouded  rays; 
True  happiness  is  not  made  up  of  years, 
But  blessedness  is  ofttimes  born  of  tears. 

And  as  we  gaze  upon  the  past's  rich  store 
That  still  is  ours,  and  count  it  o'er  and  o'er; 
Number  the  blessings,  in  His  mercy  given, 
And  all  the  joys,  that's  made  of  earth  a  heaven; 

We  will  no  longer  question  in  our  pain 

What  of  the  past!     What  good  doth  yet  remain? 

But  make  the  joys  and  sorrows  yet  to  come, 

As  stepping-stones,  to  lead  us  farther  on. 


1 2  Heart    Treasures. 


LIFE'S  LESSONS. 

HOW  shall  I  gather  the  fragments  up 
That  nothing  be  lost?  she  said; — 
Or  improve  the  hours  that  are  flitting  past, 
Ere  they  make  up  a  day  that  is  dead  ? 

How  can  I  unravel  the  knotted  skein 
With  dark  and  with  bright  hues  rife  ? 

Or  pick  up  the  broken  tangled  threads 
That  I've  wove  in  this  web  of  life  ? 

How  make  the  disjointed  useless  parts 
Of  earth's  broken  idols  complete? 

Or  find  the  lost  chord  in  Life's  Melody  grand, 
That  made  such  harmony  sweet  ? 

How  bear  the  burdens  of  sorrow  and  care 

That  are  on  my  shoulders  laid, 
With  cheerful  and  uncomplaining  heart 

And  a  soul,  that  is  undismayed  ? 


By  making  the  trials  of  every  day 
Yield  a  harvest  of  peace  and  love; 

By  counting  the  blessings  of  every  hour, 
As  thy  kindly  descend  from  above. 


Heart    Treasures.  1 3 

By  carefully  watching  the  bright  design, 
The  pattern  God  gives  me  to  weave — 

With  patience  striving  to  mend  the  threads 
Of  error,  o'er  which  I  now  grieve. 

By  toiling  on  with  a  fearless  heart, 
Though  my  burden  heavier  grows; 

It  will  lighter  be,  and  scarcely  felt, 
If  I  lighten  another's  woes. 

If  I  dry  the  tear  on  the  mourner's  cheek, 
With  the  comfort  that  God  in  His  love 

Will  make  earth's  broken  idols  complete 
In  his  mansions  in  Heaven  above. 


IN  MEMORIAM. 

SPEAK  but  thy  name,  how  swift  the  tide 
Of  feeling  overflows; 
But  while  we  question  vainly,  oft, 
'Tis  only  God  who  knows — 

Knows  why  thy  promising  young  life 

So  early  was  cut  down, 
Or  why  thy  earthly  cross  was  changed 

Into  a  heavenly  crown. 


1 4  Heart    Treasures. 

The  cross  thou  bore  so  bravely,  well, 
Through  sickness  and  through  pain, 

Now  laid  aside,  the  conflict  o'er, 
The  heavenly  conquest  gained. 

"  Thank  God  I've  won!  "     O  brave  young  soul! 

Though  short  thy  earthly  life 
O'er  death  thou'st  gained  the  victory 

O'er  worldly  pain  the  strife. 

No  more  will  earthly  doubts  perplex 

Thy  sensitive  young  heart, 
For  now  thou  knowest  all  the  joys 

That  late  thou  knew  but  part. 

How  sweet,  how  glad,  thy  welcome  home! 

How  trustingly  thou  laidst 
Thy  hand  in  his  all-loving  one 

When  powerless  we  to  aid. 

And  though  our  hearts  are  sore  with  grief, 

Thy  voice  above  we  hear 
In  sweet  familiar  words  that  breathe 

Comfort  and  hope  and  cheer, 

Saying,  "  Dear  ones,  no  longer  grieve, 

I'm  with  you  as  of  old, 
To  cheer,  to  comfort  and  to  bless 

With  heavenly  love  untold. 


Heart    Treasures.  1 5 

"  Look  up  and  smile;  the  cloud  that  fills 

With  earthly  grief  the  space 
Twixt  you  and  me,  shall  lifted  be, 

And  you'll  behold  my  face." 


THE  AWAKENING. 

HY  talk  of  Death  at  Easter-time 

When  all  about  us  speaks  of  Life  ? 
When  Nature's  throbbing,  pulsing  heart, 
With  powers  of  darkness  is  at  strife. 


w 


When  the  long  night  of  rest  is  o'er, 
And  Earth  awakened  from  her  sleep, 

Thrills  with  new  light  and  warmth  and  power, 
As  through  her  veins  the  life-blood  creeps. 

A  tinge  of  life  is  on  the  woods; 

A  breath  of  life  floats  on  the  air; 
A  hint  of  life  the  brown  earth  gives, 

Of  verdure,  bloom,  beyond  compare. 

Then  talk  no  more  of  pain  and  death, 
Or  aught  that  fills  the  soul  with  gloom; 

Weep  not,  O  sorrowing  child  of  earth, 
Above  the  dark  and  moulding  tomb! 


1 6  Heart    Treasures. 

For  Death  is  but  the  Gate  of  Life! 

The  birth,  whereby  the  soul  attains 
To  greater  heights,  diviner  love, 

Than  earth  bound  mortals  e'er  could  gain. 

And  only  we,  who,  blind  to  sight, 
See  not  the  light,  feel  not  the  power, 

Renounce  the  all-embracing  Love, 
That  still  sustains  us  hour  by  hour. 

O  may  we  wake  from  this  dull  sleep, 
To  conquer  Death,  to  end  the  strife! 

Renew  our  inward  powers  and  feel 
How  blest  a  thing  is  Life,  true  Life! 


TO-DAY. 

TO-DAY  my  soul!  take  heed  to-day! 
Fast  flies  Time's  shuttle;  soon  the  web, 
The  warp  and  woof  of  human  life, 
Will  all  be  woven,  thread  by  thread! 
To-morrow  is  not  yet  begun; — 

Darkness  and  silence  lies  between! 
We  can  not  lift  the  veil  that  hides 
The  future,  though  we  sit  and  dream, 


Heart    Treasures.  1 7 

Or  backward  call  the  yesterdays — 

The  past,  whose  dead  and  withered  flowers 

Lie  strewn  along  the  path  we  tread; 
Reminders  of  life's  wasted  hours! 

O  doubting  soul,  no  more  delay 

Nor  longer  wait  to-morrow's  dawn! 
For  lo!  the  shadows  flee  away, 

The  mists  arise,  and  bright  the  morn, 
The  herald  of  another  day 

Is  dawning  on  the  darkened  sight! 
Then  waste  it  not  in  idle  fears, 

But  strive  and  labor,  ere  the  night 
Find  thee  with  listless  folded  hands, 

Dreaming,  with  all  life's  work  undone; 
Counting  with  pain  the  yesterdays, 

Waiting  the  morrows,  that  will  never  come! 


1 8  Heart    Treasures. 


CHRISTMAS  MEMORIES. 

CHRISTMAS  anthems  now  are  swelling, 
Christmas  carols  fill  the  air; 
And  the  music  of  their  ringing, 
Echoing  on  the  frosty  air, 
Fills  my  soul  with  tenderest  longing, 

Longing  for  the  days  now  fled, 
Ere  my  eyes  knew  aught  of  weeping 
Or  my  heart  mourned  for  its  dead. 

How  sweet  memories  come  thronging 

As  upon  the  past  I  gaze, 
As  I  hear  the  Christmas  chimings 

Of  the  bells  of  other  days; 
When  my  heart  was  light  and  happy, 

As  we  gathered  round  the  hearth, 
When  the  circle  was  unbroken, 

Where  was  Christmas  joy  and  mirth. 

Now  the  merry  Christmas  greeting 

Has  no  music  in  its  tone; 
And  the  Christmas'  sun  it  shines  not 

With  the  warmth  that  then  it  shone; 


Heart    Treasures.  1 9 

For  my  life  is  in  a  shadow, 

And  my  ears  are  deaf  to  sound, 
So  I  can  not  hear  the  music 

Of  the  angel  choirs  around, 

As  they  shout  the  glad  Hosannas; 

I  can  only  catch  the  strain, 
Echo  of  the  long  lost  voices 

I  have  listened  for  in  vain. 
But  a  peace  that  passeth  knowledge, 

Comes  my  saddened  heart  to  cheer, 
As  I  seem  to  hear  them  speaking 

As  of  old,  in  tones  most  dear, 

Saying,  "  Dear  one  cease  your  grieving! 

Do  not  think  of  us  as  gone, 
For  we'll  come  again  unto  you, 

And  our  stay  will  not  be  long; 
We  are  ever  yours  in  spirit, 

O,  be  glad  this  Christmas  tide! 
For  though  absent,  we  are  present, 

And  though  dead,  have  never  died." 


2O  Heart    Treasures. 


PRAYER  FOR  THE  DEAD. 


W 


E  pray  for  near  and  distant  friends; 

Ah!  why  not  for  the  dead  as  well  ? 
Are  they  so  far  removed,  they  need 
No  thought  or  word  of  ours,  to  tell 


The  longing  of  our  inmost  souls  ? 

The  love  their  absence  but  inspires  ? 
The  thoughts  that  shape  themselves  in  words, 

Wishes  and  hopes  and  fond  desires 

Breathed  in  the  Father's  listening  ear? 

That  He  will  keep  within  His  care 
The  dear  departed  ones  as  well 

As  those  for  whom  our  nightly  prayers 

Are  offered  at  His  throne  of  grace: — 

For  all  are  sharers  of  His  love; 
Whether  as  dwellers  on  the  earth, 

Or  as  the  sainted  dead  above. 

For  have  they  still  no  thought  of  us  ? 

Then  why  should  not  our  spirits  blend 
In  sweet  communion,  and  our  prayers 

Alike  for  each,  to  God  ascend  ? 


Heart    Treasures.  2 1 

Why  need  they  not  our  prayers,  our  love  ? 

For  what  is  prayer,  but  love  expressed  ? 
Fond  hopes  and  wishes;  more  than  these; 

Our  deepest  wants  to  God  confessed! 

And  will  He  not  from  out  His  love 

Grant  us  the  boon  our  sad  hearts  crave  ? 

Are  not  the  loved  and  early  lost 

Still,  still  our  own  beyond  the  grave  ? 

For  death  can  not  divide  our  souls; 

'Tis  only  sin  can  keep  from  us 
The  love  these  yearning  spirits  feel 

For  us,  weak  children  of  the  dust. 

And  shall  the  love  their  prayers  evoke 
Find  no  response  within  our  heart  ? 

O,  let  us  bear  the  idols  hence 

That  keep  us  from  their  souls  apart! 

And  let  our  prayers  in  their  behalf, 
(Feeble  petitions,  though  they  be), 

Be  echoed  from  their  blest  abode, 

And  find  response,  O  Lord,  with  Thee! 


22  Heart    Treasures. 


I 


LINES  ACCOMPANYING  A  PICTURE. 

T  is  only  the  shadow  you  see  dear, 

When  you  gaze  on  this  pictured  face, 
Which  may  grow  dim  with  the  dust  of  years, 
And  lose  its  freshness  and  grace; 


Hut  the  soul  that  looks  through  loving  eyes, 

Can  ne'er  know  change  or  decay; 
But  will  still  live  on,  though  the  substance  fades, 

And  will  love  you  forever  and  aye. 


AT  EVENTIDE  IT  WILL  BE  LIGHT.' 

TO    X.     H.    F. 

FOND  Mother,  while  your  tearful  eye 
In  mute  appeal,  doth  gaze 
Within  my  own  with  longings  vain 
As  you  recall  the  days, 

The  happy  days,  now  past  and  gone, 
When  dimpled  arms  were  thrown 

Around  your  neck  in  fond  embrace 
While  sweet  lips  pressed  your  own — 


Heart    Treasures.  23 

Sweet  childish  lips,   whose  every  tone 

Was  like  rich  music  sweet, 
Whose  merry  laughter  echoes  now, 

With  tread  of  little  feet. 

About  the  quiet  haunts  of  home, 

Within  the  silent  room, 
Where  you  so  lonely  sit  and  grieve 

For  him,  your  cherished  one, 

Torn  from  your  loving  heart's  embrace 
Ere  scarce  you'd  learned  to  prize 

The  Angel  to  your  household  sent, 
Child-Angel,  in  disguise, 

Bless  God  the  while!  although  with  tears 

You  weep  your  darling  dead, 
Though  the  sweet  summer  time  of  hope 

From  out  your  soul  has  fled, 

And  Winter  winds  seem  wailing  still 

Around  the  dear  ones  tomb; 
And  the  sunny  sky  of  faith  and  trust 

Is  shadowed  o'er  with  gloom. 

May  not  your  fondest  wish  and  prayer, 

For  him  your  darling  boy, 
A  blest  reality  become, 

A  fount  of  peace  and  joy, 


24  Heart    Treasures. 

When  ended  is  your  earthly  life  ? 

And  he  maturer  grown, 
Expanded  'neath  the  heavenly  powers 

Shall  bid  you,  "  Welcome  home!  " 

Then  while  there  still  is  left  to  you 

Another  treasure  rare, 
A  bud  of  promise  to  unfold 

Beneath  your  love  and  care, 

Grieve  not!  but  patient  wait  his  time 
And  trust  that  all  is  right; 

Though  dark  the  way,  at  eventide 
It  surely  will  be  light! 


GROWING  OLD. 

OWHY  does  the  thought  of  growing  old 
Cast  on  us  its  withering  blight  ? 
And 'why  is  youth  called  a  radiant  morn 
And  age  but  a  darksome  night  ? 

Could  we  but  see  the  light  beyond, 

As  we  see  the  setting  sun 
Tinging  the  clouds  with  golden  rays 

When  the  day  is  almost  done, 


Heart    Treasures.  25 

We  should  happier  be  as  we  neared  the  verge, 
And  our  Life's  sun  sank  from  view, 

For  all  the  clouds  of  grief  and  care 
Would  be  lit  with  a  glorious  hue. 

And  a  radiant  light  from  the  heavenly  dawn 

Would  illumine  our  pathway  here, 
Making  the  darksome  clouds  of  age 

Most  beautiful  and  clear, 

By  which  we  should  see  beyond  this  life — 

Beyond  its  doubts  and  fears, 
That  the  life  above  this  cloudy  vale 

Is  reckoned  not  by  years. 

That  the  loving  heart  can  ne'er  grow  old, 

Though  slowly  its  pulses  beat; 
Though  the  head  is  silvered  o'er  with  snow 

And  the  form  is  feeble  and  weak. 

There  is  life  above,  unchanged  by  time, 

Untouched  by  earth's  decay, 
Where  Age  shall  know  a  glad  spring-time 

'Neath  the  light  of  an  endless  day. 


26  Heart    Treasures. 


A  SNOW  PICTURE. 

ROBED  in  light  O,  see  them  floating! 
White-winged  messengers  they  seem, 
Wafted  downward  through  the  ether, 
Like  the  spirits  of  a  dream. 

Tree  and  shrub  and  tender  grass  blade, 

Gabled  roof  and  lofty  tower, 
Share  alike  the  sweet  enchantment, 

Feel  the  witchery  and  power, 

Of  the  Artist's  skill  and  cunning: — 

Who  like  him  can  so  adorn  ? 
Change  the  rudest  of  earth's  pictures 

Into  shapes  of  grace  and  form  ? 

Man  may  fashion  strange  devices: 
Turret,  wall  and  massive  dome; 

Hut  behold,  the  wonderous  models 

God  has  wrought  from  tree  and  stone! 

Parian  wreaths  o'erhanging  tree  tops; 

Banners  white,  that,  floating  fair 
From  each  bough  and  crested  summit, 

Wave  their  snowy  folds  in  air. 


Heart    Treasures.  27 

Who  can  picture  all  the  beauty  ? 

Artist's  brush  can  never  trace, 
Nor  the  poet's  words  of  fancy 

All  the  symmetry  and  grace, 

That  is  here  revealed  before  us; 

Study  as  we  may  the  plan 
Of  this  wondrous  architecture, 

Drawn  to  please  the  eye  of  man. 


A  NEW  YEAR'S  REVERIE. 

I   AM  standing  on  the  threshold, 
Looking  forward,  looking  back, 
O'er  the  year  that  lies  behind  me, 
To  the  Future's  pathless  track! 
Shall  I  venture  in  the  darkness 

On  this  way  as  yet  untrod, 
Leave  the  Past  and  all  its  keeping 
Safely  in  the  hands  of  God  ? 

Tread  this  border  land — the  Future — 
With  a  firm  and  fearless  tread, 

Trusting  to  a  heavenly  guidance 
Wheresoe'er  I  may  be  led? 


28  Heart    Treasures. 

Never  doubting,  never  fearing, 

Though  the  way  with  thorns  be  strewn; 

Knowing  as  I  onward  journey, 
I  shall  never  walk  alone  ? 

Yes,  an  unseen  presence  leads  me 

Onward  o'er  Life's  trackless  way, 
And  I  feel  with  naught  beside  me 

It  is  with  me  day  by  day; 
That  it  never,  never  leaves  me 

This  unseen  but  present  friend, 
Who  will  guide  my  wandering  footsteps 

Onward  to  life's  journey's  end. 

And  I'll  look  not  back  repining 

Where  but  late  I  stood  in  fear 
On  the  threshold,  weary,  waiting 

For  the  morning  to  appear; 
For  the  past  is  far  behind  me; 

Angel  hands  have  led  the  way 
Out  of  sorrow  into  gladness, 

Out  of  darkness  into  day. 


Heart    Treasures.  29 


OUR  MODEL. 

E  are  the  clay,  and  thou  our  potter, 

Mold  us,  Father,  to  Thy  will; 
Shape  us  by  Thine  own  true  pattern, 
By  Thy  wisdom  and  Thy  skill. 


w 


Measure  us  by  Thy  proportion, 
By  Thy  fullness  and  Thy  grace: 

May  no  flaw  or  stain  or  blemish 
Mar  Thy  image  or  deface. 

Round  our  souls  to  Thy  perfection; 

Try  us  in  the  furnace  heat 
Of  affliction,  if  it  strengthens, 

Proves  us,  makes  us  more  complete. 


30  Heart    Treasures. 


TOO  SOON. 


TO    S.    \V 


N 


AY,  say  not  so  my  aged  friend: 

Though  death  our  fondest  hopes  may  chill, 
The  fittest  time  for  one  to  die, 
Is  when  the  Heavenly  Father  wills. 


Too  soon  for  us,  but  not  for  them : 
For  (iod  hath  greater  need  than  we, 

And  all  our  times  are  in  his  hand; 
His  wisdom  to  the  end  can  see. 


And  though  we  mourn  the  early  dead, 
The  child  of  promise,  youth  of  pride, 

The  fair  young  maiden  in  her  bloom, 

Know,  stricken  ones,  they  have  not  died. 


God  hath  but  called  them  farther  on; 

His  field  of  labor  stretches  wide; 
And  their  brief  work  that  we  call  done, 

Is  but  begun  the  other  side. 


Heart    Treasures.  31 

Too  late!  alas,  too  late  we  learn 

The  lesson  sent  our  grief  to  still; 
The  lesson  Christ  the  Master  taught, 

Submission  to  God's  holy  will. 

For  all  things,  whatsoe'er  of  good 

Or  seeming  ill,  the  Father  sends, 
Will  work  together  for  our  good 

If  we  but  trust  Him  to  the  end. 


ANNIVERSARY  POEM. 

"  The  years  have  linings,  just  as  goblets  do, 
The  old  year  is  the  lining  of  the  new; 
Filled  with  the  wine  of  precious  memory 
The  golden  was  doth  line  the  silver  is." 


"  Wine  of  precious  memory!  " 
1       O,  let  us  taste  the  draught, 
From  out  the  silver  goblet 
Lined  with  glimmerings  of  the  past. 

Let  us  gaze  into  the  ruddy  depths 
Ere  we  drink  to  other  years, 

And  note  the  changing  lights  and  shades 
The  sunshine  and  the  tears. 


32  Heart    Treasures. 

For  to  these  lives  in  union  blent, 
Mixed  with  Love's  flowing  cup, 

The  bitter  and  the  sweet  have  been, 
And  they  have  drank  it  up. 

But  filled  again  by  God's  own  hand, 

It  daily  hath  run  o'er, 
With  blessings  rich  and  mercies  kind 

Poured  from  his  generous  store. 

And  as  to-night  we  pledge  with  wine, 
The  "  Wine  of  Memory  "  dear, 

How  all  the  gladness  of  the  past 
In  its  clear  depth  appears. 

How  all  the  joys  of  wedded  life, 
Its  loves,  its  hopes,  its  fears, 

Rise  to  the  surface  as  we  gaze 
Adown  the  vanished  years. 

The  years  since  first  these  loving  hearts 

United  were  in  one, 
Since  merrily  rang  the  marriage  bells 

Upon  their  wedding  morn. 

But  now  the  noon  of  life  appears 

And  resting  from  its  glare 
Within  this  cozy,  safe  retreat, 

We  find  the  worthy  pair, 


Heart    Treasures.  33 

Still  sipping  life's  rich  nectar  sweet 

Poured  out  by  love  divine — 
Let  us  drink  to  them  from  out  the  cup 

And  pledge  long  life  in  wine! 

The  "Wine"  that  cheers,  but  not  allures, 

That  strengthens  all  who  taste, 
That  warms  the  heart  and  binds  the  hand, 

And  lights  with  leve  the  face. 

O  may  their  cup  of  of  blessing  flow 

As  rich,  as  full,  as  free, 
As  it  has  flowed  from  out  the  past, 

This  "  Wine  of  Memory.  " 


THE  ICE  KING. 

HO,  Ho,  Ice  King!  you  have  had  your  reign! 
Your  subjects  will  no  longer  bow 
In  meek  submission  to  your  will; 
For  Old  King  Sol,  I  trow,  will  loose  their  chains, 
Shake  off  the  bands,  that  bound  then  with  an  iron 

hold, 

And  bid  them  stand  erect  once  more, 
As  stout  of  heart  and  bold, 


34  Heart    Treasures. 

As  when  you  fettered  limb  to  limb 
And  bowed  their  stately  heads  with  shame, 

And  flung  their  strong  arms  to  the  ground 
With  proud  and  cold  disdain! 

But  now,  \ou  re  captive!  gone  the  power 
With  which  you  ruled  with  iron  sway! 

Your  crown  has  fallen  to  the  earth; 
Its  jewels  trodden  in  the  way! 

King  Sol  now  sits  upon  your  throne, 
The  proudest  monarch  in  the  land! 

And  all  your  subjects  worship  him, 
For  he  has  rent  the  bands 

That  you  with  cruel  hands  did  forge; 
And  'neath  the  warmth  of  his  bright  ray 

Have  bid  them  lift  their  heads  once  more, 
And  own  his  gracious  sway. 


I 


Heart    Treasures.  35 


A  DREAM. 

DREAMED  last  night  of  the  loved  ones; 

The  loved,  who  from  me  have  fled, 
And  entered  the  Gates  of  the  City, 
The  City  of  the  Dead! 


They  crossed  o'er   the  mystical  river, 

The  river  that  lies  between; 
They  came  to  my  side  as  in  earth-life, 

I  can  scarcely  think  I  dreamed! 

For  their  forms  were  so  like  earth  forms, 
There  smiles  so  radiant  and  bright, 

They  seemed  to  dispel  the  darkness 
And  make  all  around  me  light. 

And  they  showed  to  my  vision  a  lily; 

O,  fairer  than  any,  I  ween 
That  ever  grew  in  earth-land! 

More  beautiful  to  be  seen. 

Its  petals  seemed  sparkling  with  jewels 
That  glistened  with  heavenly  dew; 

Its  form  was  more  graceful  in  outline, 
And  clearer  its  tint  and  hue. 


36  Heart    Treasures. 

And  while  I  gazed  with  rapture 
On  this  heavenly  blossom  pure, 

And  wondered,  half  waking,  half  dreaming. 
What  language  for  me  it  bore, 

From  my  sight  it  quickly  vanished, 
Borne  back  to  the  land  of  light 

To  grace  the  Heavenly  Mansions 

Where  earth-stain  ne'er  could  blight. 

But  who  shall  say  I  was  dreaming  ? 

That  the  loved  ones  ne'er  return, 
But  are  with  us  only  in  seeming, 

When  for  them  our  hearts  fondly  yearn! 

That  those  spirit-forms  beside  me 
Came  not,  as  I  saw  them  stand 

Bearing  that  spotless  emblem 

That  flower  from  the  fadeless  land  ? 

Or  that  a  language  unwritten, 

Was  not  wrapped  in  each  delicate  fold 

Of  that  heavenly  sign  and  token, 
That  spoke  to  my  inmost  soul  ? 

That  taught  me  a  lesson  more  lasting 
Than  earth-dreams  ever  impart, 

To  be  like  that  lily,  as  stainless, 
As  perfect,  and  pure  in  heart. 


M 


Heart    Treasures.  37 


A  BIRTHDAY  OFFERING. 

Y  heart  goes  out  in  kindly  thought 

To  you  on  this  birthday, 
But  my  true  pen  must  speak  the  words 
My  lips,  forsooth,  would  say. 


But  they,  I  fear,  if  put  to  test 

Would  play  me  false,  nor  dare 
To  tell  the  thoughts  in  uttered  tones, 

The  thoughts,  so  like  a  prayer, 

That  breathed  aloud  might  lose  their  power; 

That  silence  makes  complete; 
Like  the  still  river  in  its  course, 

Whose  water  runneth  deep. 

But  there  are  hidden  springs  in  earth 

Wrhich  well  up  to  the  ground, 
Making  the  hill-side  green  and  fresh, 

And  all  things  fair  around. 

So  thoughts  from  out  the  heart's  deep  wells 

Oft  rise  from  depths  below, 
Refreshing  those  whose  thirsty  souls 

Feel  their  sweet  overflow. 


38  Heart    Treasures. 

And  though  unuttered  and  unheard, 

Save  by  the  Father's  ear, 
Vet  blessing  those  on  whom  bestowed 

With  choicest  gifts  and  dear. 

So  may  these  thoughts  of  mine,  enrich, 
And  fill  with  fragrance  rare, 

The  path  wherein  your  feet  may  tread, 
Paved  by  this  earnest  prayer,— 

That  God  will  keep  you  safe  from  harm, 

Within  His  care  aKvay; 
And  that  His  golden  light  may  fall 

On  many  a  bright  birthday. 


Heart    Treasures.  39 


A 


TEACH  US  TO  PRAY. 

T  thy  mercy  seat,  O  Father, 

When  we  kneel  our  vows  to  pay, 
Teach  us  what  our  tongues  shall  utter; 
Frame  the  words  our  lips  shall  say. 


Nor  in  vain  may  our  petitions, 
Breathed  aloud  on  bended  knee, 

Rise  to  Heaven,  but  find  acceptance 
As  we  lift  our  souls  to  thee. 

Teach  us  that  the  true  forgiveness 
That  we  ask  and  humbly  seek, 

In  thine  ear  hath  more  of  meaning 
Than  the  simple  words  we  speak. 

As  we  freely,  without  measure, 

(jive  unto  our  tellow  men, 
All  our  truest  love  and  pity, 

Can  we  hope  for  thine  again. 

When  we  pray,  "  O,  grant  us  Father, 
That  thy  kingdom  here  may  come;  " 

May  we  not  sit  idly  waiting, 

While  the  blessed  work's  undone! 


40  Heart    Treasures. 

And  when  trials  fierce  o'ertake  us, 

If  a  victory  we  have  won 
Over  pain  and  grief  and  sorrow, 

Then  how  sweet,  "Thy  will  be  done! 

Help  us  Father!  that  more  truly 
We  may  live  in  word  and  deed, 

Like  the  blessed  Christ  and  Master! 
Follow  where  His  footsteps  lead. 


\\ 


ASLEEr. 


!7ITH  the  May  blossoms  so  pure  and  so  sweet, 
Dandelions  golden,  in  bloom  at  her  feet, 
Dear  little  Alice  has  fallen  asleep. 


Blue-eyed  violets,  snow-drops  so  white, 
Great  yellow  buttercups,  cheerful  and  bright, 
Why  are  your  blossoms  forgotten  quite  ? 

Where  are  the  feet  that  so  oft  have  strayed 
Through  pastures  verdant  and  flowery  glade. 
To  pluck  you,  ere  you  wither  and 'fade  ? 

Have  they  grown  weary  along  life's  way, 
Tired  of  school,  of  frolic  and  play, 
And  stopped  to  rest  this  summer  day  ? 


Heart    Treasures.  41 

Or  have  they  wandered  far  out  of  sight, 
To  fairer  fields,  and  flowers  more  bright, 
Untouched  by  earthly  stain  or  blight  ? 

O,  songster  sweet  in  yon  woodland  tree, 
What  is  the  song  you  are  singing  to  me  ? 
Hush  your  warbling  so  wild  and  free, 

Lest  you  wake  tli2  darling  from  her  sleep! 
Keep,  keep  your  fragrance,  violets  meek, 
And  hide  you  in  your  shady  retreat! 

Murmur  gently,  O  silver  stream, 

As  you  wander  through  the  meadows  green, 

For  Alice  lies  in  a  peaceful  dream ! 

With  her  tired  hands  folded  over  her  breast, 
She  lies  asleep  in  a  deep,  deep  rest, 
While  her  spirit  wanders  amid  the  blest! 

In  that  land  where  flowers  forever  bloom, 
Where  death  can  not  enter,  or  sorrow  or  gloom, 
There  you  will  meet  your  darling  soon. 

Then  lay  her  to  rest  with  the  blossoms  white 
As  pure  as  her  soul,  as  her  heart  as  light, 
While  you  tearfully  murmur  "All  is  right!  " 


42  Heart    Treasures. 


A 


THE  FIRST  MAY  FLOWER. 

TINY  bud  half  buried  in  the  sand, 

Plucked  from  the  hill-side  on  a  winter's  day 
And  placed  within  the  sunny  warmth  of  home 
Beneath  the  sunshine  with  its  cheering  ray, 


When  lo!  like  starlight  shining  through  the  gloom, 
A  feeble  ray  at  first,  then  brighter  grown, 

I  watch  its  petals  open  to  the  day 

With  childish  wonder,  I  can  not  disown; 

And  as  I  note  its  fragrance  sweet  and  rare — 

This  beauteous  springtime  blossom  that  I  hold — 

Coming  to  cheer  me  in  the  winter  time, 

When  woods  are  bare,  and  winds  are  chilj'and  cold, 

I  think  of  many  a  sad  and  lonely  life, 

Half  buried  in  the  chill  and  gloom  of  doubt, 

That  only  needs  the  cheering  warmth  of  love 
To  bring  its  beauty  and  its  fragrance  out. 

A  pitying  hand  to  pluck  it  from  the  mould, 
And  place  it  'neath  the  light  and  love  of  God, 

That  thus  its  feeble  petals  may  expand 

Like  this  frail  flower's,  from  out  the  barren  sod. 


Heart    Treasures,  43 


TO  MY  MOTHER. 

WORDS  are  but  feeble  to  tell,  mother, 
The  thoughts  that  come  to  me 
As  I  sit  in  the  fading  twilight, 
Musing  on  home  and  of  thee; 
Of  all  thy  goodness  and  love,  mother, 

That  made  that  home  so  dear; 
Of  thy  kindly  welcome  greetings; 
Thy  parting  words  of  cheer. 

Thy  patient  self-endurance,  mother, 

For  the  children  of  thy  love; 
The  willing  sacrifice  thou  mad'st, 

'Till  called  to  Heaven  above, 
Are  like  blessings  dearly  prized,  mother, 

Now  that  thy  soul  has  fled, 
And  the  flame  upon  Love's  altar  lit, 

Is  quenched  at  last,  and  dead. 

Not  dead;  but  only  seeming! 

True  love  can  never  die; 
Thy  faithful  love,  dear  mother, 

Lives  through  eternity, 


44  Heart    Treasures. 

And  will  grow  bright  and  brighter 
As  the  years  of  our  lives  go  by, 

Drawing  us  nearer  and  nearer, 
Thy  heavenly  home  on  high; 

Where  we  shall  meet  thee,  mother, 

Shall  clasp  those  beautiful  hands, 
That  are  beckoning  us  over  the  river, 

Into  the  summer  land; 
Where  our  love  shall  know  no  parting, 

Our  waiting  hearts  no  pain, 
But  all  will  be  peaceful  and  happy 

When  reunited  again. 


FARTHER  ON. 

OFTEN  as  I  dream  and  wonder 
Like  a  child,  how  it  will  be, 
Comes  this  thought,  above  all  others, 
Bringing  light  and  joy  to  me; 
Bringing  peace,  where  trouble  'bideth, 

Like  the  sunshine  in  a  storm, 
Through  the  darkness  it  comes  streaming 
'Twill  be  better,  farther  on. 


Heart    Treasures.  45 

Farther  on!  But  how  much  farther  ? 

Shall  we  forward  look  with  fears; 
Count  the  years  or  days  before  us, 

By  our  blessings  or  our  tears  ? 
O,  the  mystery  of  being! 

Living,  breathing  vital  breath! 
Who  shall  say  which  is  the  greater 

Earthly  life  or  change  called  Death  ? 


For  this  living  life  of  ours, 

That  is  flittering  swiftly  by, 
Where  ?  we  can  not  help  but  question 

And  to  which  comes  no  reply; 
Is  as  deep  and  strange  a  mystery 

As  the  heavenly  life  can  be, 
For  we  here  can  see  but  dimly, — 

"  Face  to  face  "  we  there  shall  see. 


Face  to  face!  but  here  we  wander, 

Groping  through  the  mists  of  doubt; 
Longing,  wondering,  fearing,  dreaming, 

Of  His  ways,  past  finding  out; 
Faint  and  heart-sick,  worn  and  weary, 

Still  the  battle  must  be  won; 
Still  we  struggle,  bravely  thinking 

'Twill  be  better  farther  on. 


46  Heart    Treasures. 

When  our  toilsome  journey  's  over, 

And  the  night  of  death  is  passed, 
Sweet  the  thought,  a  glad  to-morrow 

Bright  will  dawn  on  us  at  last. 
All  the  clouds  of  grief  will  scatter, 

All  our  doubts  and  fears  be  gone 
In  the  glory  of  that  morning 

That  awaits  us  farther  on. 


EASTER  MORNING. 

LO!  the  dawn  of  Easter  morning! 
How  it  gilds  the  shades  of  night, 
Throwing  o'er  the  darkened  landscape 
Brightest  rays  of  heavenly  light; 
Scattering  far  and  wide  the  shadows, 

All  earth's  dreariness  and  gloom: 
Lifting  e'en  the  shroud  of  darkness 
From  the  portals  of  the  tomb. 

Angel  voices  break  the  stillness 

Of  the  quiet  Sabbath  day, 
Angel  hands  unlock  the  gateway, 

Backward  roll  the  stone  away; 


Heart    Treasures.  47 

Light  for  darkness!  gone  the  terror 

Of  the  grave  with  all  its  dread! 
"  Seek  no  longer  sorrowing  mourner 

For  the  living  'midst  the  dead!  " 

How  that  message  wakes  sweet  echoes 

In  our  hearts  each  Eastertide, 
Wafted  to  us  down  the  ages, 

"  Christ  has  risen,  glorified!  " 
Life  has  conquered !  death  no  longer 

O'er  us  now  can  hold  its  sway! 
Sing  glad  voices!     Shout  in  triumph! 

For  the  stone  is  rolled  away. 


RELEASED. 

THE  burden  is  lifted  and  ended  the  strife; 
O,  Death!    thou  art  welcome,  thou  bringest 

new  life; 
For  the  heart  that  here  hungers,  there,  there  shall 

receive! 
The  soul  that's  in  trouble  shall  never  more  grieve. 

The  weight  of  long  years  press  not  heavily  now; 
No  change  or  decay  is  stamped  on  the  brow; 


48  Heart    Treasures. 

The  long  journey  over  he  resteth  in  peace; 

O,  Death!  thou  hast  brought  him  a  happy  release. 

Earth's  trials  grow  dim  in  the  light  of  that  morn; 
Its  sorrows  are  lost  in  the  joys  that  are  born; 
No  doubt  nor  dread  fear,  his  soul  can  assail, 
For  all  is  made  clear  behind  Death's  dark  veil. 

Light  shone  in  the  valley  his  footsteps  to  guide; 
No  weary  waiting  to  reach  the  bright  side; 
Though  sad  the  parting  O,  dear  ones,  on  earth! 
Angels  rejoice  o'er  another  new  birth. 


A  SONG  FOR  THE  FLAG. 

AN    INCIDENT    IN    REAL    I.IFK. 

OFF  those  distant  rock-bound  islands, 
See  the  vessels  held  at  bay! 
And  the  sailors  madly  battling, 
Through  the  blinding  mist  and  spray, 
And  the  hurricane's  fierce  tumult, 

In  the  face  of  fearful  odds, 
With  the  raging  billows  round  them, 
And  no  help  save  that  of  God's. 


Heart    Treaszires.  49 

Blindly  clinging  to  the  rigging, 

To  the  broken  masts  for  aid, 
Arms  outstretched  and  blanched  lips  praying 

That  the  tempest  may  be  stayed; 
Hear  their  cries  for  help  imploring! 

Bruised  and  bleeding,  see  them  fall! 
While  the  angry  sea  engulfs  them, 

Buries  them  without  a  pall. 


Through  the  gathering  darkness  peering 

Midst  those  scenes  of  gloom  around, 
See  that  banner  wildly  streaming! 

List  the  music  of  that  sound, 
High  above  the  wind's  wild  tumult, 

And  the  hurricane's  fierce  breath, 
As  those  brave,  heroic  seamen, 

Battle  in  the  face  of  death! 


O'er  the  waves  the  sound  re-echoes; 

On  the  rising  tide  it  swells; 
Chorus  of  a  hundred  voices, 

Of  a  Nation's  triumph  tells. 
Gone  is  every  thought  of  danger; 

Like  true  heroes  they  can  die 
Bravely  at  the  post  of  duty, 

While  the  Old  Flag  floats  on  high. 


5O  Heart    Treasures. 

For  the  music  of  that  anthem 

On  the  raging  tempest  borne 
Fills  their  sinking  hearts  with  courage, 

As  the  wild  winds  waft  it  on ; 
And  they  sing  in  accents  clearer, 

Though  beneath  them  yawns  a  grave, 
Of  their  Country's  Starry  Banner, 

And  the  free  home  of  the  brave. 


AT  THE  LOOM. 

SPIRIT  garments  here  we're  weaving; 
Garments  soiled,  or  free  from  stain; 
Growing  ever  bright  and  brighter, 
With  each  victory  that  we  gain. 
Every  day  of  patient  striving, 

Every  trial  that  we  bear, 
Serves  to  make  the  raiment  whiter 
That  our  souls  at  last  shall  wear. 


Heart    Treasures.  5  r 


A  DREAM  OF  HOME. 

0  GOLDEN  plumes!  in  beauty  bending 
Beside  the  wayside  as  I  pass; 
What  dreams  within  my  soul  ye  waken! 
What  memories  sweet,  but  sad  alas! 

Within  my  mind  are  ever  stirring 

As  I  behold  your  beauty  rare; 
And  thank  the  good  and  gracious  Giver, 

Who  like  bestows  His  love  and  care, 

Upon  the  wayside  blossoms,  blooming 
From  out  the  dry  and  dusty  soil, 

As  on  some  rare  exotic,  nurtured 
By  aid  of  human  skill  and  toil. 

But  with  the  season  of  thy  coming, 
The  pleasant,  sunny,  Autumn  days, 

When  nature  seems  to  speak  His  glory 
And  give  to  its  creator  praise; 

When  all  the  earth  is  wrapped  in  quiet 
And  Sabbath  stillness  reigns  profound, 

Ah!  then  comes  back  the  old,  old  longing; 
Again  I  walk  the  enchanted  ground 


52  Heart    Treasures. 

That  leads  to  that  old  farm-house  yonder, 
That  nestled  lies,  beneath  the  hill; 

Where  birch  and  alder  trees  grow  tender 
Beside  the  brook,  that  murmurs  still 

Along  the  wayside,  green  with  mosses, 

Where  ferns  and  grasses  droop  their  head, 

And  goldenrod  as  though  affrighted 
Bows  low  at  sound  of  human  tread. 

I  call  to  mind — while  thus  I  wander — 
That  still  and  quiet  Autumn  day. 

When  up  the  old  road  winding  slowly, 
We  bore  that  aged  form  away. 

Away  from  those  home  scenes  familiar 
On  which  so  oft,  he  loved  to  gaze — 

The  dear  old  house,  the  spruce  trees  yonder, 
And  the  old  maple  with  its  blaze 

Of  Autumn  tints,  all  red  and  yellow; 

The  goldenrod  beside  the  road 
I  )rooping  its  golden  plumes  of  beauty 

As  though  with  grief  it  bore  a  load. 

O,  sad  yet  sunny-eyed  October! 

Thou  bring'st  me  joy  and  grief  in  one; 
Joy  for  thy  rich  and  golden  harvest; 

Grief  for  the  loved  who  can  not  come, 


Heart    Treasures.  53 

To  share  my  joy  at  thy  returning; 

But  who  I  know  have  gifts  more  blest; 
For  they  have  passed  beyond  earth's  trials 

And  found  at  last  Heaven's  promised  rest. 


HE  KNOWS. 

0   THOUGHT,  beyond  our  thought, 
Higher  than  mortal  mind! 
Love,  deep  un-impassioned  love, 
Surpassing  human  kind! 
Wisdom,  that's  greater  far 

Than  Earth's  or  earth  born  kings! 
How  weak  our  judgment! 

Foolish,  vain,  man's  idle  questionings! 

For  what  are  we,  beside 

His  great  infinitude  ? 
Feeble  and  weak  who  pray 

To  Him  for  daily  food! 
Why  limit  His  vast  powers 

Whom  countless  worlds  obey! 
We,  who  can  scarcely  see 

Beyond  our  little  day  ? 

Who  walk  with  blindfold  eyes, 

In  darkness  and  in  doubt, 
Trying  in  vain  to  find, 

All  of  God's  meaning  out; 


54  Heart    Treasures. 

Striving  to  pierce  the  veil 

That  hides  Him  from  our  sight. 

The  veil  that  we,  ourselves  have  drawn 
Between  us  and  the  light. 

Better  in  simple  faith 

To  trust  His  guiding  hand; 
He  knows!  although  the  way 

We  may  not  understand! 
And  through  the  valleys  drear, 

By  pathways  dark  and  dim, 
He'll  safely  lead  us,  if  we  will 

But  trust  the  end  to  Him. 


THE   MEETING    AND    PARTING   OF    THE 
CENTURIES. 

ALL  the  wonders  of  the  nations, 
Their  choicest  gifts  and  best, 
Have  been  laid  at  thy  feet,  fair  city, 
"  Queen  City  of  the  West." 
All  that  the  present  teaches, 

All  that  the  past  has  taught, 
All  that  the  minds  of  genius, 

With  years  of  toil  have  wrought; 


Heart    Treasures.  55 

All  the  handicraft  of  woman, 

All  that  art  and  science  claims 
Have  been  brought  as  votive  offerings, 

To  the  shrine  where  genius  reigns. 
And  to  crown  this  great  achievement 

Of  all  ages  unsurpassed, 
In  a  fellowship  and  union, 

Hands  across  the  seas  have  clasped, 


And  have  owned  a  common  kinship, 

Though  of  different  race  and  creed; 
Owned  the  tie  that  binds  all  nations 

To  be  one  of  common  need; 
That  the  rights  of  all  are  sacred; 

In  each  soul  some  spark  divine 
That  will  kindle  into  brightness, 

When  the  rays  of  knowledge  shine. 


At  this  union  of  the  centuries, 

Where  the  Past  and  Present  meet; 
What  the  watchword  at  the  portal  ? 

Is  it  victory  or  defeat  ? 
What  the  promise  of  the  morrow  ? 

Will  the  golden  age  soon  dawn, 
This  the  herald  of  its  coming, 

Prayed  and  waited  for  so  long  ? 


56  Heart    Treasures. 

Yes!  the  rays  of  right  and  justice 

Even  now  illume  the  sky, 
Tokens  of  that  better  kingdom, 

That  is  coming  by  and  by; 
When  the  light  of  truth  and  knowledge, 

O'er  the  whole  broad  earth  shall  shine, 
And  the  law  of  all  right  living 

Be  fulfilled  by  all  mankind. 


FLOWERS. 

FLOWERS  for  the  bridal,   and  flowers  for    the 
burial; 

Beautiful  flowers,  your  mission  is  twain; 
Bringing  joy  to  earth's  happy,  loved  ones, 
Peace  to  the  hearts  overburdened  with  pain. 

Lo!  how  you  brighten  the  chamber  of  sickness, 
Lifting  the  shadows  and  scattering  the  gloom ; 

Bringing  strength  on  your  dew-laden  petals; 
Healing  and  balm  with  your  wondrous  perfume. 

Tender  the  message  you  bring  to  the  mourner, 
When  your  bright  blossoms  like  tear-drops  are 
shed 

Over  the  graves  of  earth's  fallen  heroes; 
Over  the  young  and  the  beautiful  dead. 


Heart    Treasures.  57 

Dreary  were  earth  without  your  fresh  beauty! 

Lonely  the  wayside,  and  barren  the  spot, 
On  the  brown  upland,  in  forest  and  meadow, 

Palace  of  noble,  or  peasant's  rude  cot! 

Joy  of  the  springtime  and  glory  of  summer! 

Why  must  ye  droop  'neath  Autumn's  rude  blast? 
Wither  and  fade  in  your  bloom  and  your  freshness  ? 

Beauty  like  thine  forever  should  last! 

But  not  long,  O,  not  long!  will  ye  leave  us  forsaken; 

Again  will  your  blossoms  besprinkle  the  sod, 
Bringing  gladness  and  cheer  to  hearts  that  are  weary 

Sweet  trust  in  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God! 


REGRET. 

SAD  heart,  that  maketh  constant  moan 
For  tearsures  gone  beyond  recall, 
Cease  your  vain  weeping!  all  are  His! 
He  giveth  and  He  taketh  all. 

Without  His  mercy  we  are  not; 

His  life  through  all  our  being  flows; 
His  care  provideth  all  our  wants; 

His  love  our  every  good  bestows. 


58  Heart    Treasures. 

And  though  some  blessings  are  denied, — 
Blessings  that  we  might  overprize, — 

He  has  withheld  them  for  our  good; 
For  in  our  weakness,  He  is  wise. 

Blinded  by  fear,  we  wildly  grope, 
And  miss  the  joy  the  present  brings, 

Grasping  at  doubt  that  holds  us  fast 
With  idle  questionings. 

O  could  we  tear  the  veil  aside 

That  hides  us  from  God's  blessed  light, 

And  let  the  light  of  His  great  love 
Shine  on  our  darkened  sight, 

We  should  no  longer  spend  our  years 
In  vain  regrets  o'er  what  has  been; 

But  see  'neath  winter's  frost  and  snow, 
Spring's  beauteous  blossoming. 

For  what  to-day  seems  dark  despair, 

'Neath  the  warm  rays  of  hope  and  love, 

Oft  proves  a  blessing  sent  by  Him 
To  lift  us  heavenward. 


Heart    Treasures.  59 


THE  UNGUESSED  MYSTERY. 


Future  life,  "The  life  to  be," 
J.       Is  it  still  "  The  unguessed  mystery?  " 

Do  we  beat  "  The  soundless  doors"  in  vain 
To  find  our  lost  ?     Will  they  come  again  ? 

Have  you  read  the  "  Legend  of  St.  Mark  ?  " 
When  "  Through  the  dungeon's  vaulted  dark," 
His  shining  robes  of  light  appeared, 
The  captive  youth  no  longer  feared. 

For  "  The  cords  released  their  cruel  clasp;  " 
And  broken  fell  the  torturer's  grasp; 
And  up  "  From  bondage  and  the  night," 
He  passed  to  freedom  and  the  light. 

Shall  not  our  doors  of  doubt  give  way 
Before  the  light  of  reason's  ray? 
God's  angels!  come  they  not  in  vain 
Like  good  St.  Mark,  to  break  the  chain  ? 

And  though  our  eyes  are  dull  to  see, 
Or  to  define  the  mystery; 
Though  ear  be  deaf  to  catch  the  flight 
Of  silver  wings  through  the  hush  of  night, 


6o  Heart    Treasures. 

There  are  who  see  the  angel  tent, 
Who  hear  the  heralds  God  has  sent, 
And  from  their  holy  altars  shine 
An  inner  light,  that  seems  divine. 

Shall  we  not  in  our  dark  despair 
Breathe,  as  of  old,  the  Prophet's  prayer? 
"  From  fear  and  doubt  O,  set  us  free! 
Lord,  ope  our  eyes  that  we  may  see!  " 


A  MEMORY. 

TO    M.    K.    F. 


0 


NLY  a  sad,  sad  memory! 

But  know,  dear  friend  ere  long 
Thy  grief  to  happiness  will  change; 
Thy  sighing  into  song. 


For  though  'tis  now  a  memory, 

A  blest  reality  'twill  be, 
When  you  shall  meet  the  loved  and  lost 

And  once  again  your  darling  see. 

Be  still  sad  heart!  nor  longer  mourn 
That  she  has  left  your  dwelling  lone! 

The  Father  willed  that  you  should  be 
Just  for  a  little  while,  alone. 


Heart    Treasures.  61 

But  not  alone — God  never  leaves 
His  children  comfortless  to  mourn, 

Soon  will  his  messengers  of  peace 
Descend  upon  thy  heart  and  home. 

And  Faith  and  Love  shall  bring  thee  cheer; 

E'en  as  the  dew  revives  the  flower, 
Thy  drooping  soul  shall  rise  refreshed 

Beneath  their  light  and  love  and  power. 

Then  grieve  no  more  that  she  has  gone 

A  little  while  before  thy  time; 
But  let  the  memory  of  her  love 

Forever  round  thy  pathway  shine. 

All  that  was  good  and  true  thou  hast; 

Nor  time  nor  change  can  e'er  efface 
The  filial  tenderness  and  love, 

That  shone  upon  thy  loved  ones  face. 

Ah!  sweet  the  memory  that  she  leaves! 

As  sweet  as  was  the  dying  song 
She  sang,  the  while  her  spirit  bright 

Waited  to  join  the  heavenly  throng. 

Thus  did  she  meet  the  blissful  change! 

Nor  feared  to  hear  the  angel's  call; 
To  her,  the  messenger  called  "  Death," 

Must  come  alike  to  each  and  all. 


62  Heart    Treasures. 

Calmly  she  yielded  to  his  touch! 

As  beautiful  in  death  as  life, 
She  passed  unto  that  heavenly  bourne 

Beyond  earth's  sorrow,  care  and  strife. 

O,  let  her  blessed  memory, 

E'en  as  her  presence,  light  thy  home! 
Then  thou  wilt  never  parted  be 

For  she  will  seem  no  longer  gone. 


A  PRAYER  FOR  LIGHT. 


the  Light!  as  Thou  the  Giver! 
JL       Ope  our  eyes  that  we  may  see, 
The  true  light  that  shineth  ever, 
When  our  souls  look  up  to  Thee! 

Lift  the  shadows  from  our  being 
As  the  curtains  of  the  night; 

Give  our  souls  a  blest  awakning, 
Bright  with  rays  of  heavenly  light! 

Sun  of  Righteousness!  that  shineth 
With  a  radiance  naught  can  dim; 

Shed  thy  beams  of  warmth  and  brightness 
On  the  darkened  soul  within! 


Heart    Treasures.  63 

Light  the  dawn  of  each  to-morrow, 
With  the  rays  of  hope  and  peace; 

Then  shall  all  earth's  weary  mortals 
Find  from  pain,  a  glad  release! 


H 


ALL  IN  ALL. 

OW  can  we  dwell  from  Thee  apart 

Whose  image  mirrored  in  our  heart 
Shows  us  how  good  and  great  Thou  art! 


Whose  love  hath  neither  mete  nor  bound! 
Embracing  all,  in  all  things  found, 
Encompassing  the  wide  earth  round. 

Whose  wisdom  planned  the  mighty  whole! 

Maker  of  body  and  of  soul! 

O'er  all  things  holdest  Thou  control. 

Thou  givest  life  and  breath  to  all! 
The  high  and  low,  the  great  and  small; 
And  heedest  e'en  a  sparrow's  fall! 

Thou  keepest  our  frail  lives  in  thine! 
Weak  creatures,  why  should  we  repine 
When  we  Thy  laws  can  not  divine  ? 


64  Heart    Treasures. 

Thy  thoughts  are  far  above  our  own! 
We  are  but  finite,   Thou  alone 
Art  infinite,  O,  mighty  One! 

And  in  Thy  great  infinitude, 

Thou  orderest  all  things  for  our  good, 

If  but  Thy  laws  were  understood! 

Grant  us  Thy  wisdom !  May  we  still 
Through  all  life's  changes,  good  or  ill, 
Trace  but  the  workings  of  Thy  will. 

And  where  we  can  not  understand, 
Trust,   Father,  to  Thy  guiding  hand; 
Thy  sternest  law,  but  love's  command! 


PS 
3507 


Damon 


Dl?98h     Heart   treasures 


A    000919243 


PS 

3507 
£>1798h 


